(is it already?) Wednesday Open Letters

[macmars45]

Jul 19, 2024 12:43:09 GMT -5 mommyatty said:

Jul 19, 2024 10:39:06 GMT -5 erbear said:

We have 5th grade in middle school and it's great. However, my school is really intentional about the transition (and this is part of why I think it works) -- 5th grade switches classes, but they only really have 4 teachers (one teaches math and social studies, one teaches English and social studies, then they have a science teacher and a Spanish teacher). They move as a unit (2 sections, but they are with the same group in all their classes). They spend a lot of time adjusting to middle school, teaching EF skills, etc. 

Also no locks on lockers at my school, which takes out a significant stressor

What I love about it is that it makes the rest of the kids a little kinder. The 5th graders are small and enthusiastic. The older kids see them and soften when they are in the spaces.

DD’s school does this in 3rd and 4th, with 3 instead of 4 classes/teachers. But they’re still in lower (elementary) school. It’s just absolutely not appropriate, how early they’re doing all this stuff. They aren’t ready for it. Their brains aren’t ready for it.

DS' school/where I work switches every grade around just for reading by reading level so they are getting the instruction they need. They switch between the grade level teachers or go to Reading Intervention (what I teach) or the Resource room. All kids get tested every month to make sure they're in the right reading level group. Beyond that, I 100% agree with you; it's inappropriate for the younger kids to be switching classes all day.

Middle school doesn't start until 6th grade in our district, which is great because I think 5th grade is way too young. IMO 6th grade should still be at the elementary school as well.

[vasc]

Jul 17, 2024 13:16:50 GMT -5 vasc said:

Dear Assisted Living:

You e-mailed me a little over two weeks ago now to say a studio unit would likely be coming available in the near future and Aunt is at the top of the waiting list. I've finally got Aunt convinced to take the leap and move and she is actively telling people she is moving "first of August." I need a firm lease with move-in date ASAP....this has to happen in August for my own sanity and work schedule. I e-mailed to follow up yesterday and called and left a voicemail this morning...no response. Please don't reply with a "false alarm! That unit won't be available after all..."

- Nervous wreck niece

Aunt was formally offered the studio!!

[mae0111]

vasc - great news!!